Guidance:
[10] Agencies should contact the FHWA when considering employing a practice or application that is not explicitly addressed in this Manual to ensure continued compliance with the provisions in this Manual.
Support:
[11] The FHWA reviews and interprets the provisions in this Manual for agencies on an as-needed basis, which can lead to the issuance of official interpretations (see Section 1B.04), or interim approvals (see Section 1B.07).
Standard:
[12] A non-compliant traffic control device that is being replaced or refurbished because it is damaged, missing, or no longer serviceable (see definition in Section 1C.02) for any reason shall be replaced with a compliant device, except as provided for in Paragraph 13 of this Section.
Option:
[13] A non-compliant traffic control device may be replaced in kind when engineering judgment indicates it is more appropriate because:
- A. One compliant device in the midst of a series of adjacent non-compliant devices would be confusing to road users, and/or
- B. The schedule for replacement of the whole series of non-compliant devices will result in achieving timely compliance with the MUTCD.
Section 1B.04 Interpretations
Support:
[01] The FHWA issues authoritative interpretations of this Manual when necessary to provide clarity in response to unique situations for device application or general requests for clarification of a provision.
[02] An interpretation includes a consideration of the application and operation of standard traffic control devices, the official meanings of standard traffic control devices, or the variations from standard device designs and design requirements.
Guidance:
[03] Requests for an interpretation of this Manual should contain the following information:
- A. A concise statement of the interpretation being sought;
- B. A description of the condition that provoked the need for an interpretation;
- C. Any illustration that would be helpful to understand the request; and
- D. Any supporting research data that is pertinent to the item to be interpreted.
Support:
[04] Section 1B.08 contains information on submitting a request for interpretation.
Section 1B.05 Experimentation
Support:
[01] Requests for experimentation (see Section 1B.08) include consideration of field deployment for the purpose of testing or evaluating a new traffic control device, its application or manner of use, or a provision not specifically described in this Manual.
Standard:
[02] A traffic control device or application that does not comply with the provisions of this Manual shall not be used on any street, highway, bikeway, or site roadway open to public travel (see definition in Section 1C.02) without first receiving official approval to experiment from the FHWA’s Office of Transportation Operations.
Support:
[03] A request for permission to experiment (see Section 1B.08) will be considered only when submitted by the public agency or toll facility authority responsible for the operation of the road or street on which the experiment is to take place. For a site roadway open to public travel, the request will be considered only if it is submitted by the private owner or official having jurisdiction.
[04] A request for experimentation with a novel device or application across multiple jurisdictions as a single experiment with a common hypothesis, evaluation plan, and evaluation team will be considered when submitted jointly by all the authorities responsible for operation of the roads or streets on which the experiment is to take place. Similarly, a request to add experimental sites to an experimentation approved for another jurisdiction will be considered when submitted jointly by the all the authorities for operation of the roads or streets on which the experiment is then to take place.
[05] Manufacturers or inventors of novel devices are encouraged to engage the services of a qualified traffic engineer or other professional who is versed in traffic control devices. Early engagement during the concept and development processes will help ensure the efficacy of the device with regard to human factors, operational, safety, and other considerations prior to an agency requesting experimentation.
